Chapter 26

Ethan laughed at her request. "You want Puppy to come home with you?"

"Your mama doesn't like dogs, baby," her grandfather said gently. "We can't take the puppy home."

Isabella's face fell at his words. "No, puppy?" She looked so heartbroken that Ethan's heart melted.

"Hey now, no tears," Ethan said, giving her hand a squeeze. "Puppy has to stay here, but you'll see other cute puppies another day, okay, princess?"

Sniffling, Isabella nodded before waving sadly. "Bye bye, Puppy."

John mouthed "thank you" to Ethan once more before turning to leave. As they left, Ethan felt that warmth mixed with a tinge of sadness at Isabella's disappointment. But he knew her bright spirit wouldn't stay dimmed for long.

As Isabella and her grandfather John left the ice cream shop and walked a short distance, Isabella suddenly shouted excitedly, "Mama! Mama!" She wiggled out of John's arms and took off running.

"Isabella!" John called after her, but the little girl had already launched herself into the a